In this episode, returning guest Sylvie, first featured in Episode 41, rejoins the conversation to share how her journey of healing from domestic violence evolved into a passionate mission to help others reclaim their power.

⁠Connect with Coach Sylvie on Instagram⁠⁠

Now a trauma recovery coach and emotional wellness advocate, Sylvie guides individuals through their own healing journeys—helping them process grief, navigate trauma, and rediscover authenticity after pain.

She reflects on how embracing radical honesty, emotional awareness, and spiritual intuition not only transformed her life but became the foundation of her coaching work.

Sylvie believes healing is never about being rescued from the outside—it’s about learning to rescue yourself from within.

This episode explores how she empowers clients to connect with their emotions, peel back layers of pain, and build resilience through self-trust and community support.

Key Takeaways

• Pain can become the foundation for purpose and advocacy.

• Healing from trauma begins with inner strength and self-compassion.

• Radical authenticity is the doorway to transformation.

• Anger is valuable information that guides emotional clarity.

• Healing unfolds in layers, revealing the root of deeper wounds.

• Intuition and self-trust are essential tools for self-healing.

• Community connection fuels empowerment and recovery.

• Coaching creates a safe space for exploring and releasing pain.

• Emotional awareness strengthens resilience and confidence.

• Everyone has the capacity to heal and grow beyond their past.

  
  

Memorable Quotes

• "The rescue is an inside job."

• "Anger is just information."

• "You belong to God, not to a box."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Healing and Advocacy

02:56 Purposing Pain — Turning Adversity into Advocacy

06:00 The Inner Journey — Finding Strength Within

08:53 Radical Authenticity — Living Your Truth

11:59 Emotional Intelligence — Understanding Anger and Grief

14:44 Layers of Healing — The Root Analogy

17:53 The Power of Intuition — Trusting Yourself

20:56 Authentic Living — Finding Where You Belong

23:55 Coaching & Empowerment — Guiding Others Through Pain

26:43 Community Healing — Why We Need Each Other

29:40 Closing Reflections — Embracing the Ongoing Journey

This episode was deeply personal and inspiring—my conversation with author and psychonaut Adam Butler cut to the heart of what it means to struggle, heal, and grow.

Adam’s work, especially his book Butler’s DMT Field Guide: A Brief History, Step-by-Step Recipes, and Personal Experiences From a DMT Saturated Consciousness, captures his life-saving journey through mental health battles and hundreds of DMT experiences.

Follow @booksbyadambutler

Our dialogue explored how psychedelics, radical self-awareness, and inner work can transform lives.​

Adam shared how facing his darkest hours and travelingacross America gave him tools for healing—through reflection, therapy, community, and DMT’s powerful insights.

This episode is an invitation to dive into those uncomfortable places, honor growth, and find hope, whether through books, conversation, or your own journey.

Key takeaways

• Mental health struggles impact all of us at some point.​
• Honest inner work and community support lead to real growth.​
• Psychedelics like DMT can be life-changing tools for healing and self-acceptance.​
• Adam’s book offers practical advice for safe, enlightening DMT experiences.​
• Grounding in the present and gratitude are daily anchors.​

Healing flourishes when we share stories and connect, and this episode is proof of that!

What happens when a teacher’s favorite student grows up to become a force in the music industry—and your podcast partner, twenty years later?

This episode is a celebration of those full-circle moments that remind us why sticking to your passion matters, even when the road gets tough.

Back in 2005, I taught math and science to Julian, a creative seventh grader with a passion for music. Now, as a producer working with the likes of The Chainsmokers and Netflix—and my own podcast editor—Julian joins me for a heartfelt conversation about:

The unforgettable school year at Mission Charter in Arizona

-Turning a love of music into a thriving production career

-Honest stories from inside the music industry: the good, the bad, and the dark side

-Lessons on perseverance, creativity, and finding light in adversity

-The joy of reconnecting and working together after twenty years

Tune in to be inspired by a story of growth, mentorship, and the power of holding on to your dreams—even when life is unpredictable.

Follow Julian’s journey on Instagram: ⁠@jacklondonmusic⁠ for music highlights and behind-the-scenes glimpses!

#education #musicproducers #teachers #students

On this final day of #SuicidePreventionMonth, I hope and pray this honest conversation becomes a light for anyone struggling in the dark — and a guide for those walking alongside a friend or loved one through their hardest battles.

I'm so grateful I was able to connect with Pam Sharp, a fellow mom and podcast host of "Fight Hard, Love Much". Listen or watch Pam's podcast

"Fight Hard, Love Much" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Pam bravely shares the adversity her family has faced in losing their son, Sam, to suicide in 2020, at just 16 years old. She openly shares how she and her family are doing their best to navigate their path to acceptance and healing every day.

The Sharp family of 9 is the real deal. Since interviewing her incredible sons, Jake & Joe Sharp of @jduofit on ep. #45 of Adventures in Adversity:  Ep. 45: Carrying Sam’s light! Brotherhood,...  

I’ve been deeply moved by their whole family's authenticity, their strength, and their ability to turn Sam’s light and memory into a vehicle for others to find God and find healing.

I feel so blessed to know them and welcome Jake, Joe, & now Pam to the podcast as treasured guests.If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s okay to ask for help. Every single one of us deserves a helping hand, and support is available. 🎗️

Need compassionate mental health support?

If you live in the United States

U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/text 988 (FREE - English & Spanish)⁠

If you live outside the United States:

International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)⁠

Topics covered

• Personal stories of parenting and faith after losing Sam
• Healing as a family and keeping your loved one’s memory alive
• Honest talk about grief, mental health, and suicide prevention
• Practical ways to support someone struggling and where to find help

Timestamps

0:02 – Meet Pam and remembering Sam

0:10 – How faith shapes the journey of loss

0:23 – Grief, healing, and hope in tough seasons

0:32 – Resources, support, and honoring Sam’s legacy

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real stories about family, faith, and healing.

💬 If this episode touched you, share your thoughts in the comments and help spread hope by sharing this video.

❤️ You’re not alone—light and support are out there.

In this episode, I sit down with Julie Brumley, a trauma-informed adoptee coach whose own story is nothing short of courageous. For over 15 years, she has helped other adoptees overcome addiction, regulate their nervous systems, and find a sense of true belonging.

Julie Brumley - Trauma-Informed Adoptee Coach

The Resilience Project - Where Adoptees Find Belonging

As an adoptee herself, Julie survived unimaginable early life adversity—abandonment, attempted abortion, & multiple caregivers in the first 7 weeks of her life.

Julie weaves somatic therapy, community, and fierce self-compassion into everything she offers. Her wisdom speaks to the primal abandonment wounds many adoptees share, and her bravery in transforming pain into powerful purpose is inspiring.

If adoption has touched your life—or if you've ever felt out of place, struggled to belong, or wrestled with grief—you’ll resonate with the honesty and hope in this episode.

What we dive into:

-How adoption trauma and the “primal wound” can shape identity

-Julie’s survival story and journey to finding belonging within

-The role of somatic healing and nervous system work

-Radical self-acceptance as a path to wholeness

-Why processing grief is essential

-The unique set of challenges adoptees face in community and relationships

-How pain transforms into purpose

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:08 Meeting Julie and starting her journey

04:53 Naming adoption trauma

08:53 Julie’s calling to support adoptees

11:05 How addiction links to abandonment wounds

13:35 Finding birth family and the realities that followed

16:49 Loss, resilience, and adversity

19:31 Therapeutic tools for real healing

22:21 The impact of adoption on emotional intimacy

25:07 DNA, self-discovery, and identity

27:40 Connecting to biological and cultural lineage

29:45 Navigating relationships & emotional overwhelm

33:18 Slowing down and honoring the reunion process

36:55 Transmuting pain into purpose

40:57 Belonging—starting from within

44:03 Grief and living with loss

47:32 Setting boundaries in relationships

50:49 Emotional processing techniques

56:07 The ongoing journey to self-acceptance and belonging

What does it mean to choose hope after deep pain?

September is #SuicidePreventionMonth—a reminder to cut through the surface and talk honestly about mental health.

As reported by the World Health Organization, 720,000 people take their own lives per year.-Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.

-73% of suicides occur in low and middle-income countries

-The reasons for suicide are multifaceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course.

-For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide.

A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

These stats are heartbreaking...and alarming...and we have to talk about them, BEFORE we lose more people.

I’ll never forget when a classmate died by suicide in college during my senior year. Suddenly, everything people kept bottled up—grief, confusion, guilt—was right there in the open.

2003 Harvard Crimson tribute "Friends Remember 'Beautiful & Vibrant' Smith - May she rest in peace

It was a harsh wake-up call to just how much pain goes unseen, how many of us are fighting battles no one notices, and how real the impact is when someone’s gone.

In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I open up about college experiences with suicide and trauma, as well as an experience my family had last year with someone we lost.

I talk about surviving narcissistic abuse, dealing with loss, and what it’s really like to try to put your life back together after everything falls apart.

Learning about suicide in my own life and through the lives of my guests on this podcast has changed the way I look at others and myself.

Hearing about suicide for the first time didn’t just make me aware; it showed me how easily pain gets missed and how complicated life can get before someone finally asks for help.

These are the hard conversations—but silence does more damage. If any of this feels familiar, know that you’re not alone, or broken, or strange for having a hard time.

Reaching out isn’t weakness. Sometimes, it’s the only thing left that makes sense.

SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES

Stay Herehttps://www.stayhere.live/resourcesSuicide prevention education, support, and ACT training for individuals and communities.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 support from trained counselors for suicidal crisis, mental health emergencies, or emotional distress. Available nationwide in the U.S. - English and Spanish

MENTAL HEALTH APPS (2025 BEST PICKS)

Calm — Meditation and sleep aid

Headspace — Mindfulness and guided relaxation

Bearable — Mood & symptom tracking

Finch — Habit tracker and daily self-care

Breathe, Think, Do (for kids)

ADDITIONAL CRISIS SUPPORT

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis support in the U.S..

SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (Mental health and substance use)

This episode was recorded in California at The Oakland Podcast Studio

Special thanks to Louiza for making this happen and DK, my fantastic sound engineer!

Follow Oakland Podcast Studio on Instagram

In this episode, I’m joined by Wilson Munsterman, a 19-year-old author and powerful advocate for adoptees.

Visit Wilson's website: MarkedByAdoption.com

Buy Wilson's book on Amazon: Marked by Adoption: 10 Key Insights from an Adoptee's Perspective

Follow and connect with Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonmuns/...

Wilson shares his remarkable journey from being abandoned in China as a baby and left on a doorstep. He spent time in orphanages in China and was adopted in America.

He highlights the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-worth faced by so many in the adoption community.

We delve into the transformative power of mindset and the critical roles that faith and mentorship have played in Wilson’s journey.

Wilson also opens up about his motivation behind writing his book, Marked by Adoption, which is now available on Amazon.

The conversation explores how intentional storytelling and meaningful connection can help shift perspectives and foster understanding within families and communities.

Highlights from this episode include:

• Wilson’s story of resilience, from abandonment to finding belonging through adoption.

• Insights into how adoption influences identity and self-worth.

• The importance of cultivating the right mindset and grounding in faith when navigating adversity.

• The mentorship and support systems that guided Wilson’s path.

• Reflections from his book, Marked by Adoption, and practical wisdom for parents and adoptees alike.

In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I'm honored to sit down with Retired Sergeant Alfred Brenner,⁠ a true American hero whose courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our nation serve as a powerful reminder of what it means to wear the uniform.

Our candid conversation dives into the emotional journey of writing his book: ⁠Surviving with Grief: The Story of How a Marine and His Dog Survived the Everyday Battles of War⁠.

***BUY HIS BOOK ON AMAZON

***MORE INFO ON ALFRED'S WEBSITE

***Follow @sgtbrenner on Instagram

***Connect with Alfred on LinkedIn

As a retired Marine Corps K9 Handler, Alfred wrote about his experience being deployed in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, on October 24, 2010, while searching a compound, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated.

His K9 partner, Grief, was killed instantly.

The blast caused severe injuries to Alfred's arms, and he was temporarily blinded. This book is a testament to the courage they both showed in the face of unimaginable adversity as a Purple Heart recipient. 💜

Alfred shares with me the difficult journey of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the extraordinary bond he shared with his military working dog, Grief—a partner who was more than just a companion, but a lifeline on the battlefield.

Conversations like this reaffirm my commitment to honoring and supporting the veterans who safeguard our freedoms, along with acknowledging the families and service animals who stand beside them. Their stories are a reminder of the sacred duty we all bear to remember and uplift our nation’s heroes when they return home.

In opening up about his personal struggles and triumphs, Alfred shows how important it is to embrace grief, honor fallen friends, and seek healing through faith, community, and hope. I’m proud to support Alfred’s mission and encourage everyone who believes in our military community to read his inspiring memoir.

"Surviving with Grief: The True Story Of A Marine K9 Team Surviving the Everyday Battles of War⁠" is available now wherever books are sold, and you can learn more or purchase directly from his ⁠official website⁠ or Amazon.

Let’s stand together in gratitude and commitment so that no veteran—nor the memory of the fallen— is ever forgotten.

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking, learning, and laughing (a lot!) with Raquel Riggle, founder of ⁠Menopalz.

"As a certified menopause coach, health warrior, and founder, she suffered through a whirlwind of misdiagnoses (Celiac disease!) and perimenopause brain fog...and then she turned her experience into a mission.

Menopalz is your warm, supportive space to navigate menopause with purpose, joy, and a dash of sass. Whether you're feeling confused, empowered, burnt out, or all of the above—this is your place to land, learn, laugh, and thrive."

Raquel is a true source of wisdom for anyone moving through menopause or perimenopause. ⁠

Follow @mymenopalz on Instagram⁠

Her story isn’t just about challenges—it’s about finding laughter, connection, and a sense of community in the midst of change.

We dig into the everyday ups and downs of menopause, including 54+ symptoms that women may experience!

Along the way, we swap stories, share honest moments, and even find the humor hiding beneath the surface.

There’s something powerful about being able to laugh through hot flashes and mood swings, and realizing we’re all in this together.

If you’re currently in the menopause or peri journey—or just want to understand it better—this episode promises real talk, support, and (importantly) some well-earned laughs. Here’s to facing change with community, hope, and a good sense of humor!

MORE ABOUT MENOPALZ

"Welcome to Menopalz, your midlife sanctuary for real talk, real tools, and real transformation.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all program. This is a choose-what-you-need, when-you-need-it experience designed with real women in mind.

This space was built with you in mind—because no woman should have to go through perimenopause or menopause feeling confused, dismissed, or alone.

Here, we talk openly, share honestly, and support each other through the mood swings, hot flashes, brain fog, and all the other “fun” stuff no one warned us about.

You’ll find expert advice, real-life tips, live classes (like cooking, movement, mindset, and more), and a community of women who actually get it.

No fluff. No shame. Just sisterhood, support, and solutions.

You’re not crazy.

You’re not alone. You’re in the right place.

Thank you for being our Menopalz 💕"

I sit down with Jim Serrano for an honest, unfiltered conversation about how adversity can shape—and remake—us. As an adoptee at 6 months old, Jim faced adversity early on in life.

He brings us into his story, letting us feel the weight of childhood trauma, the confusion of searching for belonging, and the raw reality of being both lost and hopeful at the same time.

Nothing here is sugarcoated: Jim’s journey asks what it means to face pain, name it, and let faith help chart a new path forward.

Jim’s quest to find his biological parents brings us to the messy truth of complex family and forgiveness—not the Instagram highlight reel, but the struggles, boundaries, and real moments spent longing for connection.

Through sharing his experience as a victim of sexual abuse as a child from the ages of 9 to 11, we’re reminded that being seen and valued takes tremendous courage.

Storytelling and writing became Jim’s way through the storm.

His vulnerability isn’t just a gift to listeners—it’s how he’s healing, too.

Jim shows why sharing isn’t weakness, why turning pain into purpose unlocks hope, and why mentorship starts with honest conversations about what we’ve lived through.

This episode is a call to break the cycles that hold us back—to choose growth, boundaries, faith, and full-on self-care practices like Muay Thai.

Jim isn’t here to promise perfect endings, but to prove that community and grace can turn scars into strength.

If you’re holding onto hurt or learning to name your own experience, Jim’s journey is for you.

Find FREE resources for adoptees that Jim has personally recommended below!

FIND RESOURCES FOR ADOPTEES BELOW

Fireside Adoptees Instagram Page

Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group

"Welcome to Fireside Adoptees!

Our motto in a nutshell is:

C community

A advocate

M mentor

P pace

We want to encourage and empower adoptees to work within their Community, Advocate for themselves and others, Mentor those who are farther behind in the journey called life, and set a slow and steady Pace so we don’t burn out and to help others also learn to pace their journey

We aim to help adoptees see the heroes within themselves and how they can draw strength from their pain/challenges."

Join us!

Thursdays @ 6:30 to 7:30pm EST

Sundays @ 3:00 to 4:00pm EST on Zoom for fun and fellowship, where we discuss adoption from surviving to thriving!

"We may not have a choice in how our story starts, but we have a say in the now!

Keep thriving, adoptee... you are worth it!"

⁠Adoptee Garage Facebook Group⁠

"Welcome to Adoptee Garage!

This group is meant to be a safe space for adoptees to express themselves within a community that will hear you and see you.

We all have different stories and experiences, but we are joined here together by the trauma of relinquishment and adoption.

This is a judgment-free zone, and bullying of any kind will not be permitted.

Our goal is to help adoptees find their voices while supporting one another on our journeys.

Please be sure to check out our pinned posts for other group information."